Fauna
Insect

Orange-tip

Anthocharis cardamines

Male orange-tips show brilliant orange patches across otherwise white forewings, while females lack the orange. Both sexes have green-marbled hindwing undersides that disappear against spring vegetation when the wings close.

Spring ButterflyOrange ForewingsMarbled Underside
Orange-tip reference
Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMustard-family leaves, Flower nectar
Predators
  • Birds
  • Spiders
  • Parasitoid wasps
ThreatsDrainage, early mowing, insecticides, hedge removal, and loss of larval host plants
HabitatsDamp meadows, hedgerows, woodland rides, stream margins, and open scrub
Life spanUsually one generation per year, with adults active for only a few weeks
Classification
  1. FamilyPieridae
  2. SpeciesAnthocharis cardamines
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Stay on paths and leave eggs, caterpillars, and meadow host plants undisturbed.
Responsible observation
  • Males: Look for bright orange tips during low fluttering flight.
  • Resting: Check the closed hindwings for mossy green marbling.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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